All Malcolm A. Smith's Contenthttp://www.nysenate.gov/senator/malcolm-smith/content
enCycle With the Senator Saturdays in Augusthttp://www.nysenate.gov/press-release/cycle-senator-saturdays-august
<div>Join State Senator Malcolm A. Smith (D-Hollis) every <strong>Saturday in August for Cycle with the Senator</strong>, a program aimed at promoting exercise and good health.</div>
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<div>Senator Smith will also be demonstrating the importance of bike safety, wearing a helmet and posing for photos with constituents. He encourages those who snap pix&nbsp;with him&nbsp;to post them to social media, setting an example for others to "move"&nbsp;on the path to good health.</div>
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<div>Above, Senator Smith poses for a selfie with members of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority and WBLS radio personality Dr. Bob Lee.</div>
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<div>Cycle With the Senator is part of <strong>Southeast Queens Mind, Body and Soul-Food Saturdays</strong> sponsored by the Rev. Phil Craig and the Greater Springfield Community Church.&nbsp;Mind, Body and Soul-Food is a schedule of events every Saturday morning beginning with prayer, followed by an open food pantry and two forms of physical exercise <strong>all at no cost.</strong></div>
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<div>The schedule of events is below and will be held at the <strong>Greater Springfield Community Church</strong> at 177-06 129th Ave Jamaica, New York, 11434</div>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
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<div>8:30 A.M. - 9:00 A.M.&nbsp;- <strong>30-MINUTE POWER-UP PRAYER SERVICE</strong></div>
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<div>9:00 A.M. - 10:00 A.M -<strong> FOOD PANTRY</strong> (Please bring your own bags or&nbsp;shopping carts for food items).</div>
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<div>9:00 A.M. - 10:00 A.M -&nbsp;<strong> CYCLING WITH THE SENATOR</strong>&nbsp;(Join Sen. Malcolm Smith with your Bicycles and helmets for a 30-45 min&nbsp;bike ride leaving immediately after the Power-Up Prayer Service).</div>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<div>10:00 A.M. - 11:00 A.M -&nbsp;<strong>ZUMBA CLASS</strong>&nbsp;(Outdoors when weather permits) by LaDonna Cunningham. Enjoy this phenomenal work out exercise that is geared for all ages.&nbsp;Please be sure to&nbsp;wear hats(for sun), and comfortable work out wear as you dance to&nbsp;a better you.</div>
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MiscellaneousTue, 05 Aug 2014 14:58:24 +0000AnnMarie Costella243746 at http://www.nysenate.govGirl Scout Recognized for Record Saleshttp://www.nysenate.gov/press-release/girl-scout-recognized-record-sales
<p><span style="font-size: 16px; line-height: 1;">(May 10, 2014) - State Senator Malcolm A. Smith (D-Hollis) presented a Senate Resolution to Najah Lorde, 13, at her home in Springfield Gardens. She is the top seller of Girl Scout Cookies in New York City this year with 2,833 boxes. Last year she sold 1,111 boxes.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 16px; line-height: 1;">"I love to meet young people like Najah," Smith said. "Even though she is still young, she has shown great leadership skills and entrepreneurial spirit, and I am glad that I could recognize her achievements with a resolution passed by the entire State Senate."</span></p>
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<p>Najah is a cadet with the Girl Scouts and has been a scout since the 1st grade. She currently attends Divine Wisdom Catholic Academy in Douglaston, NY, where she was recently selected to be in the Aquinas program. She is a member of Young People Division (YPD) at the Greater Allen A.M.E Cathedral of NY.&nbsp;</p>
<p><span style="font-size: 16px; line-height: 1;">She participated in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade from 2010 to 2012. She's a candidate to become an Oliver Scholar - a program that identifies and engages extraordinary New York City students of African and Latino descent and prepares them for success at leading independent high schools and prestigious colleges. &nbsp;Besides those accomplishments, Najah loves her dance classes on Saturdays, enjoys swimming and is an avid reader.</span></p>
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YouthThu, 15 May 2014 19:25:40 +0000AnnMarie Costella234111 at http://www.nysenate.gov Senator Smith names Adjoa Gzifa as his 2014 "Woman of Distinction." http://www.nysenate.gov/press-release/senator-smith-names-adjoa-gzifa-his-2014-woman-distinction-0
<div>ALBANY, NY - May 14 - Senator Malcolm A. Smith honored Ms. Adjoa Gzifa as his 2014 "Woman of Distinction," an award given to outstanding women living and working in New York State whose contributions have enriched the quality of life in their community and beyond.</div>
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<div>Adjoa has served Southeast Queens in many capacities and is well known throughout the community as both a strong, well-educated leader and a kind-hearted, generous woman of faith.</div>
<div></div>
<div>Her accomplishments are too numerous to mention here, but they include serving as the chairwoman of Community Board 12 in Jamaica, Queens for five years and as chairwoman of the New York City Employment and Training Coalitions youth committee for four years. She is a board member of Neighborhood Housing Services of Jamaica, and a lifetime member of the York College Alumni Association. She is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Epsilon Pi Omega Chapter, and she was inducted into the Chi Alpha Epsilon Honor Society in October 2006.</div>
<div></div>
<div>Adjoa provides meals and gifts to the less fortunate during the holidays, mentors youth, and is a member of NYC CERT, a community emergency response team that is deployed to assist during emergency situations and also educates the community on disaster preparedness. But Adjoa's advocacy is not limited to the United States, however.</div>
<div></div>
<div>She has been traveling &nbsp;to Ghana for more than twenty years, providing tuition, books, clothing and medicine to children in the villages there and is building a new school for the more than 600 students enrolled in the Oshiyie D/A Primary School in Ghana, through an organization she&nbsp;<span style="font-size: 16px; line-height: 1;">co-founded with colleague Barbara Bryant called Future Scholars of the World, Inc. &nbsp;The school has grown sizably to approximately 500 students.</span></div>
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<div>&nbsp;"I am so honored to have the privilege of recognizing a hard advocate for education in Southeast Queens," said Senator Smith.</div>
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MiscellaneousThu, 15 May 2014 13:40:12 +0000AnnMarie Costella234006 at http://www.nysenate.gov Senator Smith names Adjoa Gzifa as his 2014 "Woman of Distinction." http://www.nysenate.gov/press-release/senator-smith-names-adjoa-gzifa-his-2014-woman-distinction
<div>ALBANY, NY - May 14 - Senator Malcolm A. Smith honored Ms. Adjoa Gzifa as his 2014 "Woman of Distinction," an award given to outstanding women living and working in New York State whose contributions have enriched the quality of life in their community and beyond.</div>
<div></div>
<div>Adjoa has served Southeast Queens in many capacities and is well known throughout the community as both a strong, well-educated leader and a kind-hearted, generous woman of faith.</div>
<div></div>
<div>Her accomplishments are too numerous to mention here, but they include serving as the chairwoman of Community Board 12 in Jamaica, Queens for five years and as chairwoman of the New York City Employment and Training Coalitions youth committee for four years. She is a board member of Neighborhood Housing Services of Jamaica, and a lifetime member of the York College Alumni Association. She is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Epsilon Pi Omega Chapter, and she was inducted into the Chi Alpha Epsilon Honor Society in October 2006.</div>
<div></div>
<div>Adjoa provides meals and gifts to the less fortunate during the holidays, mentors youth, and is a member of NYC CERT, a community emergency response team that is deployed to assist during emergency situations and also educates the community on disaster preparedness. But Adjoa's advocacy is not limited to the United States, however.</div>
<div></div>
<div>She has been traveling &nbsp;to Ghana for more than twenty years, providing tuition, books, clothing and medicine to children in the villages there and is building a new school for the more than 600 students enrolled in the Oshiyie D/A Primary School in Ghana, through an organization she&nbsp;<span style="font-size: 16px; line-height: 1;">co-founded with colleague Barbara Bryant called Future Scholars of the World, Inc. &nbsp;The school has grown sizably to approximately 500 students.</span></div>
<div></div>
<div></div>
<div>&nbsp;"I am so honored to have the privilege of recognizing a hard advocate for education in Southeast Queens," said Senator Smith.</div>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
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MiscellaneousThu, 15 May 2014 13:40:08 +0000AnnMarie Costella234001 at http://www.nysenate.govSenator Smith Delivers on Budget Promiseshttp://www.nysenate.gov/press-release/senator-smith-delivers-budget-promises
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<div>Albany, NY) - State Senator Malcolm A. Smith (D-Hollis) is proud to announce that he was able to deliver on his budget promises, securing programs and funding that will benefit his district.</div>
<div>&nbsp;&nbsp;</div>
<div>Some of those key accomplishments&nbsp;include: $613 million&nbsp;from the JP Morgan settlement to help mitigate areas impacted by foreclosure.&nbsp; "As we all know, Southeast Queens was ground zero for the foreclosure crisis, but thanks to Attorney General Eric Schneiderman, this settlement fund will go a long way toward mitigating the negative impact foreclosures have had on our community," Smith said.</div>
<div>&nbsp;</div>
<p>In addition,&nbsp;$3 million&nbsp;will go to&nbsp;Operation SNUG Anti-Gun Gang Violence Program, which&nbsp;was started in 2009, and has had a direct impact on gang and gun violence in Southeast Queens. "We look forward to continuing that success and improving the quality of life for the residents of our district," Smith said.</p>
<p>Senator Smith highlights the&nbsp;$30 million to York College (for construction of the Academic Village and Conference Center). &nbsp;"I have been fighting to make York a focal point of Southeast Queens and this $30 million in funding will go a long way towards its progress in becoming a central economic and academic institution, serving the entire community," Smith said.</p>
<p>&nbsp;The additional budget accomplishments that affect the 14th Senate District of Southeast Queens include:</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<ul>
<li>&nbsp;$1 million&nbsp;for Affordable Housing</li>
<li>&nbsp;$2&nbsp;billion for Smart School Technology Program</li>
<li>&nbsp;$55 million&nbsp;for Health Information Network</li>
<li>&nbsp;$1.2&nbsp;billion&nbsp;for healthcare capital projects</li>
<li>&nbsp;$1.5 billion&nbsp;for Universal Pre-K ( $300 million each year for five years)</li>
<li>&nbsp;$150,000 for Local Development Corporations - Laurelton, Rosedale, Springfield Gardens</li>
<li>&nbsp;$7.6 million for four nursing homes (including St. Albans VA)</li>
<li>&nbsp;$55 million New York State Health Information Network </li>
<li>&nbsp;$32 million for charter school stimulus </li>
<li>&nbsp;$8 million for after school programs </li>
<li>&nbsp;1.1 billion for NYC public schools (foundation aid)</li>
<li>&nbsp;$1.6 million Neighborhood Preservation Program (NPP)</li>
</ul>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Learn more about the 2014 budget <a style="color: blue; text-decoration: underline;" href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=00145okHlzQ4zDGTHa6JpH1NcMzUCqkHyKluwwVXXnhJpl0uazxOkY1YxMFqEfFRSnLIoXcoUjyHnEZ1k_vR6vZ6hkuP7VG2fxC11H1OaOsKOKFUsFQpxDmDJrx5cKg3ytZGGzLUV64L904OPB5--F2zV8SAJNarL5-2JpUu214D4lhHFAATu6MqKpy0iQ5mS5R_9swHnJJg1ygzyAKspwXBcqvg3NcJtd9&amp;c=&amp;ch=" target="_blank">here</a>.</p>
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<p style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Senator Smith said: "In October 2013, I outlined priorities I would pursue on behalf of the 14th Senate District in letters sent to the commissioners of various&nbsp;agencies. The items were affordable housing, foreclosure mitigation and assistance, anti-gun and gang violence programs, technology upgrades for schools&nbsp;and capital investments in healthcare. In the coming months I will be reporting on how my seniority, years of experience and relationships in the legislature has and will benefit&nbsp; constituents&nbsp;through these&nbsp;budget accomplishments."</p>
<p>The enacted budget&nbsp;caps spending at 2% or less for the fourth year in a row. It delivers property tax relief&nbsp;to struggling homeowners and small businesses; includes a 5% increase in school aid; establishes universal, full-day pre-K for every child&nbsp;in the state; protects charter schools;&nbsp;and makes important investments in healthcare, the&nbsp;environment and infrastructure.</p>
<p style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 1;">Videos of Senator Smith speaking about the budget on the senate floor can be viewed </span><a style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 1; color: blue; text-decoration: underline;" href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=00145okHlzQ4zDGTHa6JpH1NcMzUCqkHyKluwwVXXnhJpl0uazxOkY1YxMFqEfFRSnL_uWUCJq6wz-pHz0dkdl6TA0HE2rGCW2LbTxW2b8Q_2cZ-jiC84VuKyKJ2w5fmtGGclQZqiSp-_h4fuD3xbn-sCQcTZyHuZ3SoQPJl8Azc6-jtIaekCZdww==&amp;c=&amp;ch=" target="_blank">here</a><span style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 1;"> and </span><a style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 1; color: blue; text-decoration: underline;" href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=00145okHlzQ4zDGTHa6JpH1NcMzUCqkHyKluwwVXXnhJpl0uazxOkY1YxMFqEfFRSnL37FBe1ruhg9j692DQdVoKGt6S1CFNvYQUMgN7AvmYMEqraRbP6ZtG1DruSIx7XCy4t2N2J3konw10s5b1pOOb3_IvEyhIHv6JzT54wNNdoc_JEE7qum7Ug==&amp;c=&amp;ch=" target="_blank">here</a><span style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 1;">.&nbsp;</span></p>
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<span class="date-display-single">Wed, 04/02/2014</span> </div>
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MiscellaneousWed, 02 Apr 2014 13:29:08 +0000AnnMarie Costella228101 at http://www.nysenate.govSenator Smith Co-Sponsors Anti-Knockout Legislationhttp://www.nysenate.gov/press-release/senator-smith-co-sponsors-anti-knockout-legislation
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<div>(Albany, NY) - State Senator Malcolm A. Smith (D-Hollis) co-sponsored legislation aimed at ending&nbsp; "knockout," a game&nbsp;in which perpetrators sneak up on their unsuspecting victims and brutally punch them with the intent of knocking them unconscious.</div>
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<div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;">The Knockout Assault Deterrent Act&nbsp;would raise the penalty for individual or gang assault to a class B felony, carrying a maximum of 25 years in prison. The legislation would also ensure that minors age 14 and up who are convicted of knockout game assault, are sentenced as adults.&nbsp;<br /><br />Several people have been injured and even killed nationwide, including in New York State, by attacks believed to be knockout related.</div>
<p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;">&nbsp;</p>
<div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;">"These sick and vicious attacks need to stop, and I hope this legislation, which imposes stricter punishment on perpetrators, will be a step towards achieving that goal," Smith said. "It is inconceivable to me how injuring an innocent human being could be considered a fun game by anyone. We need to raise awareness and let everyone, especially our youth, know that this is wrong and it will not be tolerated."</div>
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CrimeFri, 28 Mar 2014 14:05:15 +0000AnnMarie Costella227231 at http://www.nysenate.govState Senator Malcolm A. Smith Co-Sponsors DREAM Acthttp://www.nysenate.gov/press-release/state-senator-malcolm-smith-co-sponsors-dream-act
<p>Albany, NY) - State Senator Malcolm A. Smith (D-Hollis) joined Senator Jose Peralta and his other colleagues in government in co-sponsoring the DREAM Act, which he hopes will finally get passed during this year's legislative session.The DREAM Act creates a path towards citizenship for undocumented students who have entered the U.S. before the age of 16 and have lived here for five consecutive years since their arrival. They must also have graduated from an American high school, obtained a GED or have been admitted to an institution of higher education.</p>
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YouthFri, 07 Mar 2014 20:35:05 +0000AnnMarie Costella223646 at http://www.nysenate.govSen. Malcolm Smith Announces York College Pick for Start-Up NYhttp://www.nysenate.gov/press-release/sen-malcolm-smith-announces-york-college-pick-start-ny
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<p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;">(Albany, NY) - State Sen. Malcolm Smith (D-Hollis) today announced and applauded the decision by Gov. Andrew Cuomo to designate the area around York College a tax-free zone as part of the Start-Up NY (formerly named Tax Free NY), program, which will bring new businesses and much needed jobs to Southeast Queens.</p>
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<p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;">Senator Smith has backed the move from the beginning and has worked diligently to facilitate the measure, engaging in talks with the Governor's Office, his legislative colleagues and Dr. Marcia V. Keizs, President of York College. Smith believes a tax-free zone is a wonderful opportunity for York College, which nestled in the heart of downtown Jamaica in Southeast Queens,</p>
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<div>The initiative aims to bring revenue to communities in need by providing unprecedented exemptions from all taxes - sales, property, state corporate taxes for ten years as well as exemptions from state personal income taxes for employees in newly created jobs and includes designated communities around CUNY and SUNY campuses. York College officials were notified of the decision on Monday. <br /><br />"These are very powerful incentives, and if properly applied, they could be transformative for York and economically re-generative for Jamaica," Smith said. "I look foward to working with the program to maximize job creation in Southeast Queens."</div>
<div>Under the program, businesses will partner with the higher education institutions in the CUNY/SUNY systems as well as other universities and be able to access industry experts and advanced research laboratories.</div>
<div>"This is a creative initiative and in these tough economic times, we should be doing everything we can to foster a climate for job creation, thereby assisting resident and students with post graduation work opportunities," Smith said.</div>
<div>Governor Cuomo said: "In a tax free environment, no one can match what New York has to offer. Businesses that are looking to startup or expand, and most importantly create jobs, should look no further.</div>
<div><br />There will be one zone per borough and interested schools must apply for the designation and meet certain criteria. For example, in order to qualify the CUNY college must be in a community with the highest poverty rate compared to other colleges in the borough. The York College community has a 20.7% poverty rate. <br /><br />Also, new businesses and expanding businesses must align with or further the academic mission of the sponsoring college in order to be eligible to reside in the zone area. Those businesses should have positive community economic effects. Certain types of businesses are prohibited from participating, including retail, real estate and professional service type businesses.</div>
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<p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><span>Businesses can visit <a>www.startup-ny.com</a></span><span> to learn more about the program, find answers to frequently asked questions, and search for eligible space.</span></p>
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<span class="date-display-single">Thu, 10/24/2013</span> </div>
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EducationThu, 24 Oct 2013 15:41:08 +0000AnnMarie Costella209446 at http://www.nysenate.govSE Queens Elected Officials Kick Off Senior Appreciation Monthhttp://www.nysenate.gov/press-release/se-queens-elected-officials-kick-senior-appreciation-month
<p>Queens, NY) - State Sen. Malcolm A. Smith joined other Queens elected officials to kick off the 11th Annual Senior Appreciation Month with a breakfast at the Roy Wilkins Recreation Center in Jamaica. The month-long festivities recognize the accomplishments of the seniors.<br /> <br /> <br /> Luncheons, health forums, musical celebrations and bowling are just some of the numerous activities planned from September 9th - 24th. The Queens electeds are all taking part, including Senator James Sanders Jr., City Councilman Leroy Comrie, City Councilman Ruben Wills, Assemblyman Bill Scarborough, Assemblywoman Michele Titus and Congressman Gregory Meeks.<br /> <br /> <br /> Senator Smith said: "Seniors are a part of our most vulnerable groups and they serve as a critical part of the fabric in our communities. The Senior Appreciation Luncheon hosted by me and the other events are some of the most important activities in Southeast Queens. This all started 11 years ago when myself and other elected officials decided to put this to together to thank all of you. Most of us in public office got there because of the hard work you did on our behalf."<br /><br /> Senator Sanders said: "I am proud to be participating in this year's Senior Appreciation Week, which will feature almost a month long worth of activity for the golden members of our society. It is important that we as a community recognize our seniors and show our unwavering commitment to them as a thank you for paving the way for the next generation and providing steadfast guidance during the troubling times of today. I applaud my colleagues in Congress, the Senate, the Assembly, and the City Council for bringing this all together, and sending a clear message that the best things in life come with age."<br /><br /> City Councilman Leroy Comrie said: "It's great to see all of you, and I hope you will get the chance to enjoy all of the events that we have planned for you. There are opportunities for you to see movies, eat good food, and really enjoy yourselves." <br /><br /> Seniors are an important of our community and Senior Appreciation Month is one small way we can give back to them</p>
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SeniorsMon, 09 Sep 2013 18:21:11 +0000AnnMarie Costella204331 at http://www.nysenate.gov1st Annual Queens South Responders Basketball Tournamenthttp://www.nysenate.gov/press-release/1st-annual-queens-south-responders-basketball-tournament
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<p style="font-size: 14pt; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><em><strong>FDNY, NYPD, EMT to compete against area residents</strong></em></p>
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<div>(Hollis, NY) - State Sen. Malcolm A. Smith announced today that members of the FDNY, NYPD and EMT that service the Queens South community will take part in a friendly basketball tournament this <span class="aBn"><span class="aQJ">Sunday, August 25, 2013</span></span> at Daniel O'Connell Park in Hollis.</div>
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<div style="display: inline;">1st Annual Queens South First Responders Basketball Tournament</div>
<p>has been created by members of the NYPD in conjunction with area residents to promote positive sportsmanship and respect between first responders and the community.</p></div>
<div>Members of the fire, police, and EMT workers that serve within the confines of the 113th Precinct will have a team of ten members who will compete against a team of ten consisting of parents and community leaders.</div>
<div>"It is my hope that this event will bring people together in a positive way and spur future partnerships between first responders and the community," Smith said. "May this tournament serve as a reminder that optimism, hope and pride are still vibrant in Southeast Queens."</div>
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<p><strong>What: 1st Annual Queens South First Responders Basketball Tournament </strong><br />
</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><strong>Where: Daniel O'Connell Park, 196th Street and Murdock Avenue in Hollis, Queens</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;" align="left"><strong>When: <span class="aBn"><span class="aQJ">Sunday, August 25, 2013 at 5 p.m</span></span></strong>.</p>
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<a href="/senator/malcolm-smith">Malcolm A. Smith</a> </div>
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<span class="date-display-single">Wed, 08/21/2013</span> </div>
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MiscellaneousWed, 21 Aug 2013 14:02:51 +0000AnnMarie Costella202466 at http://www.nysenate.gov